I have always enjoyed drawing and painting landscapes, specifically rural landscapes. Communicating my reaction to the designs, colors, and patterns has been my passion. I enjoy creating works that communicate the existence of—but not necessarily the presence of—man. I capture the sights which most people pass without a second thought.

The two-lane roads and natural preserves of northern Illinois provide the perfect place for inspiration. The clouds rolling across the rural sky, the movement of their shadows across the fields capture my imagination. I savor the sound of the autumn wind rustling the matured crops or rushing waters in a stream. I relish the feel of the damp breezes before the rain falls. I jump at the sight of an old, weathered farmstead, a remnant of a quickly vanishing lifestyle.

To communicate the way in which I see this environment, impressionistic realism best suits my means of expression. Oil paints allow me to swiftly capture the reactions and passions of a scene. After establishing a clear vision, I apply a thin wash of paint with a round brush to draw the design on a canvas. Large, flat brushes initiate the deep, dark areas of the image and then I add mid-tone values. Thicker passages of paint further sculpt the design toward my vision. To finish it off, I add highlights with thick paint applied in a drybrush manner, and add final details with a painting knife.

I am pleased when my works capture the landscape as I experience it. I gain satisfaction when my audience expresses that they experience the same sensations which I felt during the painting process.